MELODIC MINOR SCALES

A melodic minor scale builds off of both the natural and harmonic minor scales. This is accomplished by raising the 6th step ½ step.

Example:

C Natural Minor Scale: C D Eb F G Ab Bb C
C Harmonic Minor Scale: C D Eb F G Ab B C
C Melodic Minor Scale: C D Eb F G A B C

Here's the trick with a melodic minor scale! In classical music theory, a melodic minor scale is only used while ascending. When you go to descend, it switches back to a natural minor scale.
Here's what that looks like: C D Eb F G A B C C Bb Ab G F Eb D C.
Got it? Good!!!